Fr. John H. Schipp, 83, of Ferdinand

John was born in Ferdinand on October 12, 1938 to Herbert L. and Mary Ann (Loew) Schipp. He was ordained into the priesthood on May 23, 1964 in Evansville. 

He was a retired priest of the Diocese of Evansville. He served a number of Catholic parishes: assistant pastor at St. Joseph in Jasper, co-pastor at Holy Redeemer in Evansville, and pastor at Holy Cross in Fort Branch, Holy Family in Jasper, Basilica of St. Francis Xavier (the Old Cathedral) and St. Thomas in Vincennes. He served on many councils for the Diocese including, Advocate for the Marriage Tribunal, Board of Catholic Education, Priests’ Senate, and Diocesan Consultor. He was an avid historian, genealogist, and preservationist. He was instrumental in the preservation of the Old Cathedral Library and Museum in Vincennes, Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, and the Chapel on the Hill at Ferdinand. Father John was a member of the Indiana, Dubois County, and Ferdinand Historical Societies. He was the Chaplain for the Ferdinand Knights of Columbus. In recognition of his efforts to restore and preserve the Basilica of St Francis Xavier and other buildings on the Old Cathedral’s grounds, the annex at the Old Cathedral was renamed “Fr. John Schipp Annex.” 

Surviving are one brother, Dan (Patty) Schipp of Carmel, three sisters, Alice (Paul J.) Messmer, and Lois Coomes both of Ferdinand, and Mary Ann Martin of San Pablo, CA. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews and one great-great-nephew. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters, Evelyn Wetzel, Rita Burke, and Joan Horney. 

A mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday December 16, 2021 at 10:00 EST in Saint Ferdinand Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday December 15th from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM EST at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand, and Thursday from 9:00 EST until 10:00 AM at the church. 

The family requests that social distancing and masks requirements be observed at the mass and at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Parish in Ferdinand, Sisters of Saint Benedict, Basilica of St. Francis Xavier or the Saint Meinrad Arch Abbey. Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com.